Kansas City, Mo. (AP) - Kansas City police on Tuesday identified human remains found last year in the old Northeast area as those of Michael L. Henderson, who was reported missing in 2008.

Hikers found his bones in the woods near North Chestnut and Guinotte avenues on Sept. 6. His relatives last saw him in December 2007. They reported him missing in July 2008, when he was 26 years old. They told police he had a mental illness and regularly got in trouble with the law but always kept in touch, even when behind bars.

The Jackson County medical examinerâ€™s office told police the remains appeared to have been in the woods for six weeks to six months, indicating he could have been alive for years after he was reported missing.

A forensic anthropologist examined the bones and did not see any signs of violence. All damage to the bones appeared to have occurred after his death, police said.

Detectives have not turned up any evidence of foul play, but homicide detectives are investigating.